The U15 Girls had an event-FULL day to remember as they travelled to Buckingham for a friendly on Easter Sunday which included two Banbury girls playing for the opposition, plenty of retirements, a diamond duck, two Chloe Hill’s, a trip to hospital, one sister dropping the other, a cameo (5 overs) appearance from the writer, car breakdowns, two Banbury Men’s 2nd team local residents coming along to support (one had a foot in the Buckingham camp to be fair), have I missed anything?
Having won the toss and electing to bat, Captain Laura Marshall opened and kept the innings together as wickets fell – 7 of which were bowled – around her. At one stage Banbury were 40 for 5 in the 8th over. Laura retired on 25 to bring together debutant Chloe Whinmill and Lauren Caiger who put on a near 50 run partnership as they steadied the ship, Lauren eventually falling for a superbly structured 24, and thus just missing out on her own retirement. Thereafter Chloe put on a 20 run partnership with Banbury stalwart Jessica Austin (8), before Chloe was stumped for 15. Banbury reached 126 for 9 off their 30 overs with Laura Marshall, having been brought back on for the final 2 overs alongside our Under 11 Charlotte Hayes, finishing top scorer on 28 not out.
After a tea including hot dog and ice cream Buckingham started their innings with Laura Marshall opening the bowling and removing their opener with the 1st ball of the innings. At the other end Charlotte Levett took two wickets in her 2nd over to leave Buckingham reeling at 15 for 3 in the 4th over. However, this brought together our own Kate Davies alongside their Bucks County U15, Emma Measley, both of whom went onto to retire 26 not out, although this did include Kate being dropped by her sister Pia, off the bowling of Jessica Austin. Pia did redeem herself with a superb take off the bowling of Lauren Caiger soon after. The other Banbury player, Louise (Geoff Boycott) Tremlett, also contributed to their score with 12 steady runs. Buckingham eventually finished with 99 for 6, with “man” of the match for her all-round performance (despite dropping 2 catches) Lauren Caiger taking 3 for 3 off 2 overs.
A superb day out, even with all the drama, and many thanks to Buckingham for hosting us and we lookm forward to returning the favour, the two Banbury girls who played for Buckingham throughout the day, and the others who fielded for 5 overs each for them, the two parents who drove to Milton Keynes General to get the other dad’s car there, and all of the parents for their support, despite the baracking whilst I was fielding.
The day eventually closed for some parents just before 9pm. And, I’m pleased to report all is well with the girl who went to hospital